WWII Japanese Pilots and Ground Crew

The aviation of Imperial Japan during World War II were organizationally part of the ground forces and navy. In 1940, the army's aviation units numbered 36 fighter, 50 bomber, and 29 reconnaissance squadrons, and their personnel numbered 33,000 officers and lower ranks. The functions of army aviation included providing support for ground units and combating enemy aircraft. Structurally, it consisted of five air armies, each with a specific combat area.

For better coordination between the Army and Air Force, at each of the theaters of operations, the air units were subordinated to the respective ground command. The uniform of Japanese Air Force personnel mirrored that of the army, with certain elements of clothing in blue. The special flight uniforms for Japanese pilots were divided into summer and winter attire, with military rank insignias worn on the sleeves or chest.